New in the Nursery: Pumpkins

Since early September, terrain plant buyer Karen C. has been traveling across Pennsylvania to find this season's very best pumpkins and gourds at annual pumpkin auctions. Her picks are now filling our nursery with fall color, and we stopped by Styer's earlier this week to snap the photos above. We'll be decorating, carving, and even baking with this bumper crop throughout the season. Karen shared some fun facts about a few of our favorite varieties, below.

Fairytale: A French heirloom variety, this unusual pumpkin has a deeply lobed shape and mahogany-brown hue. Weighing up to 15 pounds, its deep orange flesh is great for cooking and pie baking.

Prizewinner: Weighing up to 300 pounds, Prizewinners are sure to be a showstopper. A popular variety for giant pumpkin contests, they add a pop of vibrant red-orange in the fall garden or on the doorstep.

Casperita: These petite, white pumpkins are an ideal addition to seasonal décor thanks to their sturdy, green handles and long-lasting color.

Knucklehead: Notable for their playful, knobby appearance, these upright, vivid orange squash are a decorator's favorite. Don't be fooled by their spooky skin-- they're also delicious when roasted!

Long Island Cheese: This heirloom variety derives its name from its flat, smooth shape, which resembles a wheel of cheese. Small in size, it's a centuries-old favorite for chefs thanks to sweet, string-less flesh that's ideal for pies.

Snake Gourd: Native to Southeast Asia and Australia, the snake gourd is notable for its use in crafting digeridoos, a traditional Australian instrument. We love these gourds for their striated, green skin and whimsical shapes.

Cinderella: A French heirloom, this variety is also known as "Rouge Vif d'Etampes. Its rounded shape and deep orange color make it the quintessential fall pumpkin, as well as the inspiration for Cinderella's carriage in the classic fairy tale.

Big Apple Gourd: The perfect fall gift for teachers, these bright green gourds resemble giant apples. When dried, they can be hollowed out for use as a birdhouse. 

Porcelain Doll: The world's first pink pumpkin, this hybrid variety was developed to support breast cancer awareness; a portion of the proceeds from seed sales are donated each year. 

One Too Many: Red-orange "veins" top white skin to give this ornamental pumpkin its unique appearance. Medium-sized fruits can reach 20 pounds, with a round or oblong shape.

Throughout the season, our plant team highlights their freshest additions to the garden with New in the Nursery. Check in at your local store to take home these newly-arrived pumpkins.